Deleting Tables from the Data Folder

[Pete Wilde]

Hi,

I have a database that creates numerous temporary tables to hold data for processing.

Previously, after a data run, I would go into PHPmyAdmin and delete each table individually, which was very time-consuming. I couldn't simply drop the database as it has other tables which are required.

However, I have discovered that within the MySQL "data" folder there is a sub-folder which is the name of my database, and within that folder are a number of files, each one of which corresponds to a table name within the database.

When I delete a file, the corresponding table is also deleted from within Mysql, so I am assuming that each file holds the "data" for that table.

This is a quick and easy way for me to delete the temporary tables.

However, I am not sure if doing it this way has any adverse impact on the database (i.e. by corrupting it in some way), or whether it is literally the equivalent of a "Drop Table" command within PHPmyAdmin.

Anyone know for sure? Can I just delete the files from within the folder rather than deleting them from within PHPmyAdmin?

Thanks & regards,

Pete